.45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster
Part of our full caliber comparison chart — energy, drop and recoil for every rifle caliber side by side.
The .45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster debate centers on two big-bore hunting cartridges with different platform options. The .45-70 (325gr FTX at 2,000 fps) carries 2,050 ft-lbs at 100 yards, edging out the .450 Bushmaster's (250gr FTX at 2,200 fps) 1,868 ft-lbs. Recoil differs noticeably: the .45-70 generates 36.29 ft-lbs compared to 25.15 ft-lbs for the .450 Bushmaster. The Bushmaster works in AR-platform rifles and meets straight-wall hunting regulations, while the .45-70 offers more energy from lever-action and single-shot platforms.
Ammunition Parameters
.45-70 Government Parameters (Reference Load)
.450 Bushmaster Parameters (Reference Load)
.45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .45-70 Government and .450 Bushmaster.
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.45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .45-70 Government and .450 Bushmaster.
.45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .45-70 Government and .450 Bushmaster.
.45-70 Government Recoil (Reference Load)
.450 Bushmaster Recoil (Reference Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
.45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .45-70 Government and .450 Bushmaster.
.45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .45-70 Government and .450 Bushmaster.